With my Fabia vrs coming up to being three years old in March and me promosing to get a new car with my work promotion, I have been throwing some ideas around. Now, I'm fully aware of the strange thoughts that come into my head and I have ran this idea past Mr P but I just get the 'you're mad' look. But he's more of a bike fan, so I'll let him off. This is my latest idea, please tell me what you think...

I want the Audi A3 convertible that only came out in March of 08. Not content with a basic model I have set my sights on the 1.8 Sportline. This is non negotiable. The cheapest I have seen on Autotrader is about 22k right now. This is my ultimate goal, but I cannot justify spending this amount of money on a car, it just doesn't feel right. So, I'm going to wait about another 2 years until the price comes down to a more comfortable level that compliments my issues!

The thing I have been thinking about is what to do in the mean time. I have two choices...keep my 06 vrs that has only done 18k miles so far. Or go for a BMW 320 convertible M-Sport that is around the 12k price range, so maybe a 2004 ish model with average mileage. The big question is, which is the smart choice to go for in terms of depreciation? I want to be able to gather as much cash as possible when I go for the Audi eventually. Is it better to release my vrs now, at the 3 year point? Will the BMW hold it's value being another 2 years older?

Thanks for listening

The smart choice is to stick with what you have if it's a good motor. But we don't always do what is smart!!

Edited 16 January, 200917 yr by loskie

Or go for a BMW 320 convertible M-Sport that is around the 12k price range, so maybe a 2004 ish model with average mileage. The big question is, which is the smart choice to go for in terms of depreciation? I want to be able to gather as much cash as possible when I go for the Audi eventually. Is it better to release my vrs now, at the 3 year point? Will the BMW hold it's value being another 2 years older?

If you want a premium rag top for a couple of years why not try an Audi A4 cabriolet? They tend to hold their prices better than the BMW and the ideal time to buy is now (winter) and sell early summer when you want to change. Also, you may prefer it to the A3.

Alternativily be prudent and stick with what you've got!

the smart choice is to stick with what you have if it's a good motor. But we don't always do what is smart!!

:+1:

I vote stick with the Fab if you're only after fiscal reward. You will spend more money buying and running a Beemer rag top until the Audi is in your sights. Another factor is that you may end up liking the handling dynamics of the beemer more than the Audi when it comes to chop time. You have test driven the A3 haven't you?

Abarth Coupe - exclusive pictures | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

how's about this or the new Alfa Mito?

Thankyou to those that have suggested other cars, but these are my choices. I just really need to think whether the vrs will give me more back than the BMW when the time comes.

RJ, I will be taking up the salesman's offer of taking the A3 out for the day as soon as it looks like it will be dry for a few days and it coinciding with a day off. I have only sat in it so far and I didn't even want to do that because I was scared I would sign on the dotted line there and then! I have never had such strange feelings for a car before

Nothing is immune anymore sadly.Even the nicest cars.

If the Audi is your dream,enjoy cheap Fabia motoring and stash all your savings for the Audi away till you are ready to get it.Beemer will still cost a few quid to run and 2004 is nearly 5 years old .

Not that any of us are sensible when it comes to cars:D

Buy a Favorit!!!

No depreciation worries on this end!!!

With dealers doing suicidal deals at the moment just to try and sell one car a week, just go into the dealer and make a silly offer and stand by it, you may well be surprised just how much they will knock off list price to do the deal.

I'd stick with what you have for now, I guess its now paid for so you will be able to continue to save for the Audi knowing that you have no ongoing payments for another car.

I paid for it up front as I had saved hard when I decided that I wanted a new car. Maybe that's why I can't bring myself to really finance the Audi to allow me to get it now. I don't think going in and offering them 16k for a 26k car will really work, damn them!

I do see the point of the opinion to keep my Fabia, it's worry free motoring at the moment and I do love it. We'll see how itchy my feet continue to be.

Thanks for all your opinions/suggestions.

If you want to maximise available funds in 2 years, keep what you've got because you always lose money on a change, and you're not going to make it back on reduced depreciation with higher running costs (esp service and tyres).

Fiat 500 Abarth, only 1500 in the Uk this yeart so risiduals should hold up well, now available for test drives & a real cracker. I know where at least one has been sold ;) but be quick as they are selling fast